Roof structure of concrete blocks having wave-shaped passages containing stressed reinforcing



y 1967 A. STEWING ETAL 3,319,387

ROOF STRUCTURE OF CONCRETE BLOCKS HAVING WAVE-SHAPED ASS-AGES CONTAININGSTHESSED REINFORCING Filed g- 14, 4 P, Sheets-Sheet 1.

INVENTORS. ALBERT STEWING STEFAN POLONYI ATTORNEYS.

y 1967 A. STEWING ET'AL 3,319,387

ROOF STRUCTURE OF CONCRETE BLOCKS HAVING WAVE-SHAPED PASSAGES CONTAININGSTRESSED REINFORCING Filed Aug. 14, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS. ALBERT STEWING S TEFAN POL 0N YI ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent Ofifice 3,319,387 Patented May 16, 1967 GermanyFiled Aug. 14, 1964, Ser. No. 389,629 Claims priority, appliEc lationGermany, Oct. 3, 1963,

23 6 Claims. (Cl. 52-227) This invention relates in general to roofconstruction and a process for assembling a roof structure, and to a newand useful roof construction, including a plurality of individualprefabricated concrete elements, which are adapted to be placedside-by-side to form a roof structure and wherein the elements includean opening therethrough for reinforcing element which openings alignfrom block-to-block in a row to permit a reinforcing element to beconnected through a group of such blocks and then to tighten the blocksin position.

Roof constructions consisting of prefabricated reinforcing concreteelements are known in the art and are used frequently. All theseconstructions have in common that they are composed of a supportstructure. as a carrying part and include a roof sheathing. Over-hangingroof constructions, for example, those supported only on a single propwhere special support structure is omitted are known in the art as shellor foldwork roofs. Such constructions are made of uniform shells orfoldworks, which are usually constructed at the site by pouring concreteinto suitable molds, for example.

A disadvantage of the roof structures of the prior art is the requiredcost and the relatively long production and assembly time. Consideringon the other hand the broad possibilities for the use of such roofs, forexample, for filling stations, shelters, public carrier stops, etc. oneimmediately recognizes the great need of the bulding trade forover-hanging roofs held by one or only a few props and made ofprefabricated reinforcing concrete elements, which can be assembled onthe site of use with the least possible costs and in the shortestpossible time.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided a roof constructionand a process of forming a roof from prefabricated reinforced concreteelements. The prefabricated reinforced concrete elements are designed asarea support structure elements, and they each include a through openingfor receiving a reinforcing element or rod which also functions to holdthe elements together in compression. The reinforcing elements areadvantageously positioned to extend through contiguous openings definedin successively arranged reinforced concrete structural blocks. Thereinforcing elements are then tightened at the outer ends of theresultant roof structure formation of a plurality of said blocks byclamping means such as a turnbuckle arranged at each of the blocks onthe outer ends of the structure. In this manner over-hanging uniformarea support structures can be produced from correspondingly formedprefabricated structural elements made in a variety of shapes or forms.A preferred form of construction, which has independent importancebecause of its simplicity comprises a simple support structural elementsimply curved or simply folded, such as in a shell or in a foldworkelement configuration. The roof structure formations are advantageouslymade by arranging the structural elements in sideby-side relationshipextending in a direction normal to the plane of curvature of therespective element members. The individual structural elements arealigned in cross directions, and are clamped together as a uniformover-hanging area support structure by clamping steel elements orreinforcing rods, which extend through all of the elements and whichprovide an initial stressing of the structure so that it is put incompression. By clamping the concrete elements together with thereinforcing wire structure which extends therethrough, it is possible toobtain a wide field of application for the resultant structure. Theclamped uniform over-hanging area support structure which is formed bythese elements may be held by one or more props or supporting columns.

A principal "advantage of the inventive construction and method is thelow erection costs and the short produc tion time required for theassembly of the roof construction. The geometry of the area supportstructural elements essential to the invention leads to moments ofinertia per area and to stress distribution favorable for the clampingtogether of the elements as well as to the strength of the resultantstructure member mounted on a supporting stanchion. The initialstressing of the element is favorable for the distribution of stress inthe resultant structure. This is particularly true when the reinforcingmetal rods or steel members are arranged in a region of the peripheralzones of the area support structural elements. With the inventive methodand construc tion, it is easy to clamp the reinforced concrete elementstogether. The individual concrete elements are advantageously treated atthe joint or contact areas in order to insure two-dimensional contact.

In a preferred method of the invention, the individual concrete elementsare arranged side-by-side in an assembly so that the openings definedtherein provide a through passage way for stringing a reinforcingelement com- .pletely through the assembly. In addition, each element isadvantageously provided with a mortar such as a synthetic resin mortaralong the joint areas or contact areas therebetween and thereafter theconcrete elements are clamped against the mortar by tightening thereinforcing rods which extend through the concrete elements to place thestructure in compression.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improvedroof structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved process forforming a roof structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide a roof structure made upof a plurality of individually preformed concrete block elements, whichare arranged in side-by-side relationship to form a roof structure, andwhich includes an opening defined through each block from one side tothe other, the openings of all of said lblocks being aligned to receivea reinforcing rod ele ment and with means at the outer ends of theoutermost blocks for clamping the reinforcing elements to hold the blockstructure together.

A further object of the invention is to provide a method for forming aroof structure using blocks having openings defined therethrough fromone side wall to the other and using reinforcing rods, comprisingarranging the blocks in side-by-side relationship with the openingsaligned, inserting a reinforcing member through all of the blocks soaligned and clamping the ends of the reinforcing member to exert inwardpressure on each end of the row of concrete blocks in order to form anoverall roof structure.

A further object of the invention is to provide a process in which roofstructural elements made of individual preformed concrete blocks areassembled by using mortar between the joints of the elements and areinforcing rod which extends through all of the elements, which istightened to hold the elements closely to the mortar at the jointsthereof.

A further object of the invention is to provide a roof structure whichis simple in design, and economical to manufacture and assemble andrugged in construction.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated and described perferredembodiments of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partial longitudinal section through a roof constructionaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the roof indicated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section taken on the line 33 of FIG. 2; and

FIGS. 4-7 are perspective elevational views of various embodiments ofindividual free formed concrete structural elements.

Referring to the drawings in particular, the invention as embodied inFIGS. 1-3 comprises a roof construction generally designated 1, made upof a plurality of prefabricated reinforced concrete elements or blocks2. In the embodiment illustrated, the blocks 2 are substantiallyV-shaped in section, as indicated in FIG. 3 and form a simple foldworkelement. Other forms of reinforced concrete elements are, of course,possible, such as, for example, the elements indicated in the drawingFIGURES 4-7. In FIG. 4 a simple curved shellwork element or shell 3 isprovided, while in FIG. 5 a modified V-shaped formation 2 is shown. InFIG. 6 a very drastically modified curved V formation 20 is shown.Whereas, in FIG. 7, an inverted arch-shaped configuration 4 is provided.These forms should be so selected advantageously according to thepurpose of use of the area supports structure. In the form ofconstruction preferred because of its simplicity, the area supportstructural elements are arranged in side-by-side relationship with thecourse direction proceeding in either direction as indicated by thedirection arrows 7, 7. The course direction proceeds in a directionnormal to the plane of curvature 5 or respectively parallel to the foldline 6 of each element.

In accordance with the invention, each of the elements 2, 2, 20 and 4 isprovided with through passages or channels 8, which align in the coursedirection to permit clamping steels or reinforcing rods 9 to be passedin a straight or curved line uninterruptedly through each of theelements. Clamping means, such as turnbuckles 10 are provided on theouter faces of each of the concrete elements 2 which are arranged on theouter ends. The turnbuckles 10 are tightened to pre-stress the assembledconcrete elements 2 to place these elements under corn pression. Theresultant structure may be easily sup ported on only a single prop 11 oron two props 11 spaced as indicated in the drawings.

In accordance with the invention method, the preformed concrete elementsare arranged in side-by-side relationship proceeding in a direction ofthe course, and thereafter reinforcing rods are inserted through thealigned openings of the assembled elements, the rods are clamped andtightened to place the elements under stress and the resultant roofstructure is mounted on a support. In some insances it is advantageousto employ a synthetic resin mortar or concrete joint between the sidefaces of each adjoining reinforcing element 2. The inventive process insuch an instance is modified to provide for the clamping of the elementstogether by tightening the turnbuckles at the ends of the reinforcingelements 9 only after the synthetic resin mortar is applied along thejoint areas.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed in detail to illustrate the application of the inventiveprinciples, it will be understood that the invention may be embodiedotherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:

1. A roof structure comprising a plurality of reinforced concreteelements each of said elements having a passage of wave-shapedconfiguration extending therethrough from one side to the other, saidelement being adapted to be arranged in side-by-side relationship, areinforcing element extending through the passages of each of saidreinforced concrete elements, said reinforcing element conforming to thewave-shaped configuration of said passages with substantially one halfof a wave length being arranged in each of said elements and means forclamping the outer ends of said reinforcing element adjacent the outerends of the outermost ones of said reinforcing elements.

2. A roof structure comprising a plurality of reinforced concreteelements each of said elements having a passage of wave-shapedconfiguration extending therethrough from one side to the other, saidelements being arranged in side-by-side relationship with the passage ofeach aligned and with adjacent elements arranged to define a continuouswave-shaped passage with the passage of each element defining one halfof a complete wave length, a reinforcing steel extending through thepassages of each of said reinforced concrete elements and conforming tothe wave-shaped configuration, means for clamping the outer ends of saidreinforcing steel adjacent the outer ends of the outermost ones of saidelements to tension said elements, and a synthetic resin motar placedbetween the contacting edges of adjacent concrete elements.

3. A roof structure, according to claim 1, wherein said concreteelements are of a substantially V-shaped cross section.

4. A roof structure, according to claim 1, wherein said concretestructural elements are substantially curved archshaped configurations.

5. A roof structure, according to claim 1, wherein said concreteelements are of a curved V-shape in section.

6. A roof structure, according to claim 1, wherein said concretestructural elements are of a pointed arch-shaped construction insection.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,940,402 12/1933Dischinger et a1 5218 X 2,705,929 4/1955 Atkins 52227 X 3,142,136 7/1964Silberkuhl et al. 52223 X 3,145,502 8/1964 Ru'beinstein 52-223 FOREIGNPATENTS 661,194 4/1963 Canada.

812,881 5/1959 Great Britain.

935,852 9/1963 Great Britain.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner.

A. C. PERHAM, Assistant Examiner.

1. A ROOF STRUCTURE COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF REINFORCED CONCRETEELEMENTS EACH OF SAID ELEMENTS HAVING A PASSAGE OF WAVE-SHAPEDCONFIGURATION EXTENDING THERETHROUGH FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER, SAIDELEMENT BEING ADAPTED TO BE ARRANGED IN SIDE-BY-SIDE RELATIONSHIP, AREINFORCING ELEMENT EXTENDING THROUGH THE PASSAGES OF EACH OF SAIDREINFORCED CONCRETE ELEMENTS, SAID REINFORCING ELEMENT CONFORMING TO THEWAVE-SHAPED CONFIGURATION OF SAID PASSAGES WITH SUBSTANTIALLY ONE HALFOF A WAVE LENGTH BEING ARRANGED IN EACH OF SAID ELEMENTS AND MEANS FORCLAMPING THE OUTER ENDS OF SAID REINFORCING ELEMENT ADJACENT THE OUTERENDS OF THE OUTERMOST ONES OF SAID REINFORCING ELEMENTS.